Academic Articles -- ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތަކުގެ ޖަމާ
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Item Environmental impact assessment proposed 13 storey building construction at M. Dhimyaath, Male’(2017-09) Jameel, Ahmed; Mohamed, HamdhoonThis report is based on the proposed 13 storey building construction at the residence, M. Dhimyaath in the capital city, Male’. The project is being developed and constructed by Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He will be undertaking the construction works and project management including overseeing the EIA process. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under ‘Jadhuvalu R’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favorable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the heart of Male’, more towards the south western side. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focused on the regional climate of Male’, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. As could be seen from the data, this area does not encourage much traffic relative to the busier roads in Male’. There were several existing construction sites in the neighborhood. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were in good condition. Older buildings were mostly single storey structures. Therefore, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum. However, the report recommends to undertake a structural defects inspection study of the buildings in the same block as the proposed site by civil engineering experts. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male’, there is no particular long term impact associated with this project. One significant impact specific to this project is the cumulative impact on the neighbourhood due to the sheer no. of construction projects that are simultaneously undertaken in the area. The impacts that do occur however can be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. The first mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include properly demarcating the area, putting up dust screens, and taking other protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures. Dewatering procedure also needs to be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. During the operation stage of the project, parking and waste management are issues of note. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. Regarding project design, a few alternatives are recommended such as providing a green area at the terrace, while the pros and cons of making a larger parking area is also discussed. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male’, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term impacts are predicted. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with precautions and mitigation measures in place.Item Environmental impact assessment for sheet piling in Hawks Land Thilafushi, Male Atoll(2017-11) Wahhab, Mahfooz Abdull; Jaleel, Mohamed IbrahimThis report discusses the findings of the environmental impact assessment undertaken for the development of a new jetty by Hawks Corporation at Thilafushi. This EIA report is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and the subsequent amendments to the regulation. The Hawks Pvt. Ltd. (Proponent) Site (S4-027) located in the Industrial Island (Thilafushi) is positioned alongside the edge of the island facing the sea with a jetty of approximate width of 3m. Due to major problems the proponent faces due to the current jetty, a new jetty design has been proposed which would overcome these disadvantages, and benefit both Thilafushi Corporation Limited and proponent. Therefore, in order to overcome the aforementioned challenges, the proponent has proposed to carry out the project to the project to construct the new jetty. The major activities of the project include; dresdging and recalamation, sheet piling works and concrete works. The major impacts of the construction phase is envisaged to be impacts on air quality, noise pollution, vibration and disturbances due to operation of heavy machinery, impact on marine environment from turbidity, waste and chemical spillages. The main impact of operational phase is predicted to arise from the operation of the petrol shed on the newly constructed jetty. The mitigation measures proposed for the construction phase comprises of commencing the dredging and reclamation works slowly in order to give chance to mobile organism to escape, proper maintenance of machinery, restricting the movement of barges, adhering to proper waste management plans and procedures etc. The mitigations of the operational phase include regular maintenance of machinery, following proper oil/chemical handling procedures and staff training on emergency oil spill cleanup. An environmental monitoring plan was developed taking into consideration the impacts and mitigation measures to be implemented. The monitoring plan includes assessing the marine water quality, coastline and marine biodiversity. As every development project, there are envisaged negative environmental impacts due to the proposed project. However these could be reduced by establishing the mitigation measures and proper environmental monitoring. Therefore, considering the greater socioeconomic positive outcome of the project it is justifiable to carry out the works of the proposed projectItem Environmental impact assessment harbor construction works at Maduvvaree, Raa Atoll(2015-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbor construction at R. Maduvvaree. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 1.45 million. The proposed project involves construction of the harbor facility on the southern side of R. Maduvvaree. The harbor will have dimensions of length 211m and maximum width of 86m. The entrance will be from the existing entrance on the south eastern end of the facility. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was due to dredging works which is anticipated to have a moderate impact on marine habitats as a result of sedimentation. Positive impact foreseen is availability of safe harbor for the fishing fleet of the island and additional of land area. Other minor to moderate impacts are discussed in section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including mitigation for the event that the project might be stopped prior to the completion of all works. In such cases, it is advised to ensure that the mitigation measures outlined for this scenario in Table 9 are implemented prior to the departure of contractors. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; Equipment/method used for dredging Location of harbor The “do-nothing” option or no project scenario would mean that the large fishing vessel fleet of island would face the same existing difficulty of not having appropriate berthing and safe harbor. However, the no-project scenario also means that the environmental impacts due to the project, which are moderate in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats, will be completely avoided. The existing facility is in need of repair; the outer breakwaters are damaged and does not properly stop waves during NE monsoon. Hence the community feels that southern area is adequate for a harbor, furthermore the area is already dredged therefore cost for construction will also be lower. Therefore given that the benefits of construction of the facility are more significant than the environmental impacts, continuation of the project is considered feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Environmental impact assessment for the dry fish processing plant in G. Dh. Thinadhoo(2010-09-01) Systems Engineering and Marine ConsultingItem Environmental impact assessment report : extension of existing channel at Vashafaru, Haa Alifu atoll(2018-01) Land and Marine Environmental Resource GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed entrance channel extension works at Vashafaru, Haa Alifu Atoll. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The Vashafaru component is part of main contract of breakwater extension at HA.Vashafaru, R. Hulhudhuffaaru, and Sh. Maaungoodhoo. Total estimated cost of contract is MVR 14.5 million (for all three islands). The proposed project involves extension of the rock boulder breakwater along the eastern side of the entrance channel by 42m, immediately adjacent to the existing rock boulder breakwater. The project also involves installation of a navigation light at the inner side of the entrance channel where the channels diverts to a separate channel leading to boat beaching area adjacent to the harbour. An important point to note is the change to the project scope as a consultation outcome, whereby the proponent has now agreed to extend the breakwater from the endpoint of the coral rock breakwater, thus adding on 42m to existing structure. The proponent also agrees to extend the width of the channel by 30ft to the west of the entrance channel. Impacts on the environment have been considered for the constructional phase and post constructional phase of the project. These impacts have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The impacts identified are described according to their location, probability of impact, magnitude, significance and duration. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis for the original project scope showed that impacts due to the project were few and insignificant. Key impact was during operational phase due to easier and safer access to the harbour. With the added scope to the project as an outcome of the consultation and as discussed in Section 10 of the report, the main impact due to the project was then envisaged to be during the construction phase, due to dredging activity. Direct impact on habitat due to dredging and related sedimentation impacts was anticipated to be of low effect (due to low live coral cover). Loss of habitat is also a permanent impact, while sedimentation impacts are temporary impact. Overall, impacts identified were found to be of low effect and restricted to the project site, with temporary effects. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, such as limiting dredging activity to low tide phase to reduce possible sedimentation impacts and working within project boundary so as to minimise habitat loss. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project and need alternative have only been considered for the following: ➢ Location of extension area ➢ Widening of the entrance channel The no-project scenario which was also considered, is not feasible, given that benefits on continuation of project outweigh the impacts which are also mostly short term. The Consultant thus feels that the project is feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment.